ASA 128th Meeting - Austin, Texas - 1994 Nov 28 .. Dec 02

5aNS6. Long-term, low-cost noise monitoring systems.

Eric V. McKinney

Robert D. Bruce

Colloboration in Sci. and Technol., Inc., 15835 Park Ten Place, Ste. 105, Houston, TX 77084-5131

Long-term noise monitoring has been possible in the past with large, expensive systems which were designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions including rain and cold temperatures while recording several months worth of interval data. For the past 7 years, CSTI and others have experimented with the use of noise dosimeters for outdoor measurements, monitoring sound levels for a few days up to 6 months. In order to use these monitors in the field, however, consideration must be given to issues such as how to protect the monitor and download the data since dosimeters are not sold as part of an integrated outdoor monitoring system. A waterproof, tamper-proof enclosure which holds the monitor and external battery, and a mast to position and protect the microphone are essential elements to such a system. Data downloading may be performed in the field with a portable computer or over a phone line. This paper will summarize experiences at solving some of the problems.